Vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike can agree that veggie burgers have come a long way in recent years.

No longer just a bland, mushy patty, these days, you can find veggie burgers that taste just as good as (if not better than) their meaty counterparts. And the best part? Homemade veggie burgers are actually pretty easy to make. In this article, we’ll go over all the essential ingredients and techniques you need to make mouth-watering veggie burgers at home.

Why Veggie Burgers?

More and more people are opting for meatless options these days, and for good reasons, too. For one, plant-based diets have been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, less meat consumption is better for the planet—meat production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. So, whether you’re making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle or just looking to reduce your meat intake, veggie burgers are an excellent place to start.

Essential Ingredients

The first step to creating a delicious veggie burger is choosing your ingredients. In general, veggie burgers need some sort of protein, a binding agent, and flavorings. Here are some common ingredients you might consider using:.

Protein

• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Quinoa
• Mushrooms
• Tempeh

Binding Agents

• Bread crumbs (gluten-free or regular)
• Oats (gluten-free or regular)
• Flax eggs (1 tbsp of ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp of water, mixed together and left to sit for 5 minutes)
• Chia eggs (same as flax eggs, but with chia seeds)
• Mashed sweet potato

Flavorings

• Chopped onion
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Nutritional yeast
• Lemon juice

Techniques for Success

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Here are a few techniques to help you make a perfect veggie burger every time:.

Don’t Overwork the Mixture

When mixing your ingredients together, try not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can cause the mixture to become too dense and dry, resulting in a tough burger. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them.

Chill the Mixture

Chilling the burger mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the ingredients stick together. The chill time gives the binding agents time to set, making for a firmer patty.

Related Article Spicy Lentil & Quinoa Burgers

Cook Low and Slow

Veggie burgers are typically more delicate than meat burgers, and they require a gentler cooking method. Cook the burgers over medium to medium-low heat for best results. This allows the burgers to cook through without burning on the outside.

Flip the burgers gently, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the patty.

Recipes

Now that you know the basics of making a veggie burger, here are two delicious recipes to get you started:.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burger

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cooked until soft
• 1/2 cup of gluten-free bread crumbs
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:.

1. Mash the beans and sweet potato together in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the bread crumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Mix together until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook the patties for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and hot throughout.

Chickpea and Quinoa Burger

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup of gluten-free bread crumbs
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:.

1. Mash the chickpeas together in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the cooked quinoa, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Mix together until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook the patties for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and hot throughout.

Conclusion

With the right ingredients and techniques, making healthy homemade veggie burgers is a breeze. Whether you prefer black beans or chickpeas, there’s a veggie burger recipe out there for everyone.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a burger, try making a plant-based patty instead. Your taste buds (and the environment) will thank you!.